Then having placed his hands on the Krzyzak's shoulders, he shook him so strongly, that he frightened him. He relented immediately and said, mildly:
"If it be true that our guests attacked Jurand first and did not send away the soldiers, I will not blame him; but had Jurand really accepted the challenge?"
Having said this, he looked at Sir de Fourcy, winking at him, to deny it; but the latter, not wishing to lie, answered:
"He asked us to send our soldiers away, and to fight three against three."
"Are you sure of that?"
"Upon my honor! Herr von Bergow and I agreed, but Meineger did not consent."
Here the prince interrupted:
"Starosta from Szczytno! you know better than anybody else that Jurand would not miss a challenge."
Then he turned to all present and said:
"If one of you will challenge Jurand to a fight on horseback or on foot,
I give my permission. If he be taken prisoner or killed, then Herr von
Bergow will be released without paying any ransom. Do not ask me for
anything else, because I will not grant it."